Faculty Profile

Peter D. Cole, M.D.

Professional Interests

My clinical research focuses on improving treatment for children, adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

My laboratory background is in the molecular pharmacology of antifolates, such as methotrexate, drugs that exert their antineoplastic effects by interfering with cellular processes dependent on the vitamin folic acid. My current laboratory research centers on reducing the toxicity of anticancer therapy, including that caused by antifolates. Although cure rates for patients with cancer continue to increase, many cancer patients report symptoms suggestive of impaired cognitive function while receiving therapy, including fatigue, short-term memory loss, and diminished concentration. For children, whose brains are continuing to undergo important phases of structural development, the neurotoxic effects of anticancer therapy can be lifelong. The focus of our translational research is studying how cognitive impariment is caused by the complex intersection of host factors (genetic variation), environmental factors (e.g. dietary intake of micro nutrients, such as folate), and treatment factors (chemotherapy and radiation therapy). We are establishing animal models that will improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of treatment-induced neurotoxicity, and allow us to test interventions to eliminate it. In addition, we are attempting to delineate measurable factors in the blood or CSF collected from patients during therapy that will be predictive of neurological impairment after completion of therapy. Once validated prospectively, these predictors can then be used to identify the subset of patients who might derive the greatest benefit from interventions aimed at reducing neurotoxicity.

Contact

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